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Ilkeston line up:- Ford S, Whitehead, Curtis (Robinson), Timons, Middleton, Knapper (Coates), Holmes, Fairbrother, Kirkwood, Kennerdale (McGinlay), Nwadike.

Ilkeston Town wound up their season with an excellent away victory at Weymouth. Manager John McGinlay included himself on the bench and recalled John Knapper, Jake Fairbrother and Nick Kennerdale to the starting line up.

In a typical end of season game neither team had an effort on goal until the seventeenth minute when Glenn Kirkwood came close. Nick Kennerdale had a few chances and Garry Middleton cleared one effort from Weymouth off the line.

John McGinlay bought himself on for the last half hour and showed some nice touches and just as the game seemed to be heading for an uneventful nil-nil draw Jake Fairbrother scored with a stunning drive from thirty yards out. With only four minutes to go Weymouth could not reply and Ilkeston leapfrogged over them in to tenth place.

For Ilkeston Town Football Club this was an excellent way to finish the season and John McGinlay has changed the atmosphere at the club since he arrived in March. Only three or four games ago the Robins were struggling to avoid relegation and now they finish in the top half of the Dr Martens Premier Division.

It is likely however that many Ilkeston's players may have played their last game for the club and it could become clear later this week which players are likely to be going.

FAN'S FORUM A GREAT SUCCESS

27th April 2002

A packed clubhouse listened to Commercial Director Dave Pullan, Manger John McGinlay and Chairman Paul Millership answer questions about the future of Ilkeston Town Football Club. Topics ranged from the clubs finances, John McGinlay's intended playing style and the sale of Tony Hemmings. The full transcript should appear on this site in the next week.


John McGinlay speaks	Chairman Paul Millership makes a point	Dave Pullan explains

HOME CAMPAIGN ENDS WITHOUT A GOAL

20th April 2002

Ilkeston Town 0 Newport IOW 0 Att 483 Dr Martens League

Ilkeston line up:- Ford S, Whitehead, Curtis, Timons, Middleton, Nwadike (Fairbrother), Robinson, Foster (Coates), Kirkwood, Ford R, Holmes (Kennerdale).

Newport IOW made the long journey to Ilkeston still needing points to confirm their Premier Division status. Ilkeston however are safe and manager John McGinlay gave Anton Foster a chance to stake a claim for next season at the expense of the injured John Knapper. Nick Kennerdale was relegated to the bench his place taken by David Holmes and Stuart Ford retuned in goal in place of Saul Deeney who has returned to Notts County after picking up an injury in training.

In an even first half neither side created many chances. David Holmes came close after 11 minutes and the lively Emeka Nwadike had too good chances. during the half time interval Chairman Paul Millership presented Garry Middleton and John Knapper with awards to acknowledge both players achievement in reaching 250 appearances for Ilkeston Town.

After the break the tempo of the game failed to ignite as both teams could not find the killer touch. It was not until Ilkeston made three substitutions that the match spluttered into life. Jake Fairbrother had a good effort saved and then Stuart Ford made the first in a series of excellent saves. Newport had their best spell of the game as they pressurized the Ilkeston defence with Jake Fairbrother clearing one effort off the line. Ilkeston fought back with Ian Robinson having two efforts on goal the first being saved acrobatically by Newport's giant keeper Colin Matthews.

At the final whistle the Ilkeston players saluted the home fans who have had to endure a season that promised so much, then looked to be heading for disaster before renewed hope arrived with the appointment of John McGinlay.

Newport appeared to be pleased with achieving their goal of avoiding defeat and the point will go someway to aiding their survival bid. The game itself was apart from the last ten minutes or so a drab affair but was punctuated by some good Ilkeston performances. Ryan Ford made some excellent touches and looks to be a player of true class at this level. Chris Timons and Garry Middleton were solid at the back and Ian Robinson made a positive contribution in midfield but WhiteBallProject's Man of the Match goes to Stuart Ford whose excellent saves in the second half kept Ilkeston in the game.

In the clubhouse after the game the Ilkeston Town Supporters Club presented Glenn Kirkwood with the Supporter's Player of the Year award. Manager John McGinlay did the honours and for once there was no real doubt who was going to win. Glenn Kirkwood joined Ilkeston Town from Doncaster Rovers at the start of last season after spells at Staveley MW, Belper Town and Eastwood Town. He score two but missed a penalty on his debut but then struggled to find the net regularly totaling only six goals for the season. To be fair he was struggling with a series of niggling injuries all season. At the start of this season there was an approach from Grantham Town but just as it looked that his Ilkeston career was at an end Glenn started scoring freely. There was a noticeable surge in confidence as he allied a high work rate with a sudden knack of being in the right place. Rumours have again suggested that he is a target for 'bigger' clubs but I hope he remains at Ilkeston helping to lead Ilkeston's challenge for honours next season.

There will be a fans forum in the clubhouse on Thursday 25th April at 7.00pm giving fans an opportunity to discuss the clubs future with Manager John McGinlay.

Knapper's 250 acknowledged

Long service award for Middo

POY Glenn Kirkwood


Ilkeston players salute the fans	Lennie Curtis clears his lines


Nick Kennerdale causes panic in the Newport IOW defence	Emake Nwadike hustles the Newport defence

LATE CAMBRIDGE STRIKE ROBS ILSON OF TRIPLE WIN

15th April 2002

Ilkeston Town 1 Cambridge City 1 Att 452 Dr Martens League

Ilkeston line up:- Deeney, Whitehead, Curtis, Timons Middleton, Knapper (Foster), Robinson, Ford R (Fairbrother), Kirkwood, Kennerdale (Holmes), Nwadike.

Ilkeston Town suffered a very early injury when Carl Wright was injured and substitute regained his place in the starting line up. Stuart Ford was rested after his recent heroics and Saul Deeney returned from International duty. Ryan Ford Ilkeston's recent signing from Notts County made his first start with David Holmes initially having a well earned but called up to the bench after Wright's unfortunate injury.

Cambridge still needing points to stay up made the early running and despite having several chances to score failed to find the net. Ilkeston gradually came back into the game with Ian Robinson coming close after the 38th minute but at half time the game remained scoreless and evenly poised.

In the second half Cambridge again started very brightly and again looked likely to score. Saul Deeney made a number of fine saves but the Robins recovered and eventually started to put the Cambridge defence under pressure. Ryan Ford had a good effort and Glenn Kirkwood came close but it was not until Anton Foster and David Holmes replaced Nick Kennerdale and John Knapper that Ilkeston got a breakthrough. David Holmes burst through and was bundled over and he got up to coolly slot home the resultant penalty. Ilkeston started to turn on the style with Glenn Kirkwood coming close on two occasions to increasing Ilkeston's lead. Just as the Robins seemed to be closing in on their third clean sheet in a row Cambridge struck with a controversial equaliser. After 90 minutes Saul Deeney collected a cross but looked to be fouled . The ball dropped to Kevin Wilkin who pounced to score salvaging a valuable point for a hard working Cambridge side.

Ilkeston produced another good performance despite failing to glean all three points. Glenn Kirkwood had agood game as did Ian Robinson and debutant Ryan Ford but WhiteBallProject's Man of the Match goes to Garry Middleton who had another excellent game at the heart of a solid looking Ilkeston defence.

Contrary to reports in the Non League Paper Eastwood Town's manager Bryan Chambers applied for the job of manager at Ilkeston Town along with many other candidates. Bryan was interviewed but was unsuccessful. Therefore Bryan was not lured away from Eastwood Town but he tried to leave/escape/further his career. John McGinlay was the Robins first choice.

ILSON DO DOUBLE OVER TEN MAN FOLKESTONE

13th April 2002

Folkestone Invicta 0 Ilkeston Town 2 Att 340 Dr Martens League

Ilkeston line up:- Ford S, Whitehead, Curtis, Timons (Fairbrother), Middleton, Nwadike, Robinson, Coates, Kirkwood (Wright), Kennerdale, Holmes (Ford R).

Ilkeston Town made the long journey to Kent without the injured John Knapper. His place was taken by Ian Robinson who celebrated by being made captain.

The Robins were looking to do the double over Folkestone and also record their first back to back wins since November. They got the perfect start when on fifteen minutes David Holmes beat the off side trap rounded the keeper and scored to put the Robins 1-0 up. Ilkeston continued to dominate the game and Ian Robinson extended the lead after 36 minutes with a terrific low shot from twenty five yards out. Folkestone's cause was not helped when they had a player sent off for elbowing Lenny Curtis just before the break.

As often happens teams with ten men start to play better than when they had parity with the opposition. Folkestone came back into the game and they gained a hotly disputed penalty which in form Stuart Ford then proceeded to save Folkestone looked a better side in the second half but never really threatened to win the game despite hitting a post late in the game. Ilkeston should have had a penalty themselves when Nick Kennerdale was pulled back in the area. The referee booked the offender but gave the free kick outside the area. Steve Coates and debutant Ryan Ford were booked for Ilkeston.

Ilkeston were well worth the three points and they passed the ball well throughout the game something they have struggled with in recent games. There were some excellent performances Stuart Ford with his penalty save and Chris Timons at the back but WhiteBallProject's Man of the Match goes to the stylish Steve Coates.

This win almost certainly confirms Ilkeston's place in the Premier Division next season. Whether that Premier Division is the Dr Marten's or the Unibond depends on the struggle at the bottom of the Conference and who else applies for membership.

HAVANT HAVE NO ANSWER TO ROBINS PASSION

8th April 2002

Ilkeston Town 2 Havant & Waterlooville 0 Att 401 Dr Martens League

Ilkeston line up:- Ford, Whitehead, Curtis, Timons, Middleton, Knapper (Robinson), Nwadike, Coates, Kirkwood (Wright), Kennerdale, Holmes Sub not used Fairbrother.

Stuart Ford made his first start since November to replace Saul Deeney who was called up by the Republic of Ireland U 19 squad for their match against Holland. James Whitehead and Lennie Curtis replaced Ian Robinson and Paul Challinor in defence whilst Emeka Nwadike returned to the midfield at the expense of Jake Fairbrother.

Unlike recent games Ilkeston managed to weather the first five minutes without conceding a goal. The Robins first chance of the game came when Nick Kennerdale got clean through but was caught by the Havant defence. the ball then fell to David Holmes who failed to convert the rebound. The scrappy play was punctuated by another fine run by Nick Kennerdale whose long range shot although had power but was straight at the keeper. Ilkeston now started to put some pressure on the Havant defence with Kirkwood having his weak shot easily saved. Nick Kennerdale's brave running was eventually rewarded on the stroke of half time when he was put through by John Knapper and his low shot zipped past the keeper.

After the break Ilkeston continued to press forward to try and make the game safe with Nick Kennerdale being at the forefront of the Robins best attacking moves. Despite having the bulk of the possession Havant had an excellent chance to equalise but Stuart Ford pulled a miraculous double save. The feeling that it was going to be Ilkeston's night was confirmed when Nick Kennerdale chased a back pass and the under pressure Havant keeper sliced his clearance straight into the path of top scorer Glenn Kirkwood who neatly dispatched the Robins second goal and ultimate winner.

Manager John McGinlay will be well pleased with this win against a team who are third in the table. Ilkeston's total of fifty points should be enough to ensure Premier Division football at the New Manor Ground next season. It is over ten years since any one has finished in the bottom four of the Dr Martens Premier Division with fifty points.

There were some excellent performances Garry Middleton was brave and reliable at the back. and John Knapper had a good second half. Stuart Ford came close to being star man with a series of excellent that kept the Robins in the game but WhiteBallProject's Man of the Match is Nick Kennerdale who scored the first and made the second and was a constant threat to the Havant defence. He got better as he gained in confidence and started to show why Nuneaton Borough paid Eastwood Town so much money for his services last season.

Ex boss Keith Alexander was in the crowd and must have winced at the Robins lame performance in the first thirty minutes. John McGinlay's Ilkeston Town team may sometimes look bereft of ideas but they never lack guts and commitment and not the first time since McGinlay's arrival the team improved as the game wore on and eventually they got their reward.

Barring a miracle Ilkeston should be safe and if the bottom of the Nationwide Conference stays the same the Robins could be playing Unibond League football next season.

SAFETY NOT CERTAIN FOR SAD ROBINS

6th April 2002

Ilkeston Town 0 Newport County 1 Att 496 Dr Martens League

Ilkeston line up:- Deeney, Robinson, Middleton, Timons, Challinor (Whitehead), Knapper, Fairbrother (Nwadike), Coates, Kirkwood, Kennerdale (Wright), Holmes.

Newport County took the field to a drum roll supplied by their large traveling support. Ilkeston however welcomed back Paul Challinor into the middle of the defence with Jake Fairbrother moving into midfield. Ian Robinson moved back into defence and James Whitehead returned to the bench.

The strong wind looked likely to cause problems for both defences and it was Ilkeston who succumbed first when after four minutes a headed clearance cannoned off the back of Garry Middleton's head and into the net. Ilkeston struglled to get back into the game but found it increasingly difficult to trouble the resolute Newport defence.

After the break the Robins had the wind at their backs and started to exert some pressure on the Newport goal. Glenn Kirkwood had a shot clip the foot of the post and then he had another good chance after excellent work by Nick Kennerdale and David Holmes. Any thoughts of another Ilkeston comeback were quashed when Chris Timons loping header fooled the Newport keeper and looked to be finding the net but unfortunately hit the bar and rebounded to Glenn Kirkwood whose control let him down and the ball was cleared. It was now clear that Ilkeston's luck was out and the Welshmen were returning home with all three points.

This was a poor result for Ilkeston as it was a probably a better display than that against Moor Green last week. Saying that Ilkeston looked disjointed and again found it almost impossible to string passes together. Up front the Robins worked hard and Nick Kennerdale looked dangerous before he tired and was replaced in the second half. David Holmes and Ian Robinson had their best games for some time but WhiteBallProject's Man of the Match goes to Steve Coates who followed up his promising performance against Moor Green with some stylish midfield play in what was a very scrappy game.

Results elsewhere have not helped Ilkeston's quest to confirm their Premier Division status as soon as possible and they are now only four points off the fourth relegation spot. Home games against Cambridge City and Newport IOW are now 'must win' games. The way Ilkeston are playing at the moment they could quite easily be sucked into a nerve jangling fight against relegation.

True to form some of Ilkeston's faithful vented their feelings at the end of the game with cries of 'What a load of rubbish'. Some even started to criticize the new management team. This is very unfair because ultimately the players who are not performing to their potential were signed former managers Keith Alexander or John McGovern. John McGinlay does not have the luxury of being able to experiment when points are still required to keep the Robins in the Premier Division. Ilkeston Town supporters must be patient let McGinlay keep us safe from relegation and then he will be ableto build his own team with his own players.

Kirkwood comes close

Kennerdale holds up the ball

Knapper breaks clear


David Holmes his felled as Newport clear	David Holmes heads for the by line

VALUABLE POINT STOLEN IN DRAB GAME

1st April 2002

Moor Green 1 Ilkeston Town 1 Att 348 Dr Martens League

Ilkeston line up:- Deeney, Whitehead, Middleton, Timons, Fairbrother, Knapper, Robinson (Challinor), Coates, Kirkwood, Kennerdale (Wright), Holmes (Nwadike).


Ian Robinson and Nick Kennerdale come close	David Holmes takes on the Moor Green defence

James Whitehead returned to the Ilkeston starting line up at the expense of Carl Wright who returned to the bench. John Knapper also came back from injury and Emeka Nwadike accompanied Carl Wright on the bench.

Despite these changes Ilkeston for the second game running made a disastrous start conceding a goal after only two minutes when John Gayle put Moor Green ahead. The Robins tried to get back into the game but struggled to put their game together. Passes went astray and on a hard pitch many Ilkeston players found it difficult to get the ball under control. Ilkeston did however create a number of chances Ian Robinson was put through but took too many touches and was crowded out. Glenn Kirkwood came close with a header and then had a good shot tipped over by the Moor Green keeper.

After the break the game became increasingly scrappy with only Moor Green looking likely to score. It was well into the half before Ilkeston had their first shot when James Whitehead had a long range shot saved. Moor green continued to have chances to seal the game but Saul Deeney made a number of crucial saves to keep Ilkeston in the game. With five minutes Ilkeston chances of rescuing a point seemed to have gone when Glenn Kirkwood kept a good header down but saw it bounce on the hard ground and sail over the bar. However Moor Green's resolute defence started to show signs of cracking and when James Whitehead crossed in to the area Glenn Kirkwood pounced on a loose ball to lash in the equaliser.

This was a very valuable point for Ilkeston which in some ways their overall play did not deserve. Moor Green where by far the better team but the Robins got their reward for not giving up and it is good sign that Ilkeston are now able to come from behind rather than throw leads away.

There were few good performances in the Ilkeston side but James Whitehead looked good going forward and Steve Coates looked very composed in midfield. Glenn Kirkwood again ran himself into the ground and scored the all important goal but the WhiteBallProject Man of the Match goes to keeper Saul Deeney whose brave saves kept Ilkeston in the game.


Looks a good shout for a penalty here!	Steve Coates gets in a header to clear his lines

TIMONS RESCUES POINT FOR ILSON

30th March 2002

Ilkeston Town 1 Hinckley United 1 Att 526 Dr Martens League

Ilkeston line up:- Deeney, Wright (Bettney (Challinor)), Middleton, Timons, Fairbrother, Nwadike, Robinson, Coates, Kirkwood, Kennerdale, Holmes Sub not used McGinley.

Saul Deeney, Jake Fairbrother and Steve Coates lined up for Ilkeston Town in a much changed side that faced fellow relegation worriers Hinckley United. Hinckley United left ex Robin Scott Huckerby on the bench but paraded new signing the experienced Phil Stant.
Stant scored for Worcester City against Ilkeston very early in the game earlier this season and he repeated the feat for Hinckley after debutant Jake Fairbrother lost possession on the half way line and was robbed by Paul Hunter who fed Stant. Stant made no mistake as he placed his shot past Saul Deeney. Strangely enough this was the most exciting incident of a drab first half with the Robins finding it almost impossible to make an impact on the game. Their only shot on target came from Nick Kennerdale but his long range effort was easily saved by Chris Taylor. To add to the unreal atmosphere Carl Wright was substituted after only 35 minutes when Chris Bettney was bought on to play in midfield. Ilkeston thus reverted to a 4-4-2 formation rather than 4-3-3 or was it 5-2-3 ?.
In the second half Ilkeston got more into the game although they could not not test Taylor in the Hinckley goal. The visitors still looked the better side with Stant and Hunter proving a handful up front. The Robins then won a series of corners and it was from one of these that they equalised. Chris Bettney swung a corner into the near post and Chris Timons pounced to head home.
Ilkeston continue to press forward but the best chances fell to Hinckley United. In the end a 1-1 draw was a good result for Ilkeston as they could have easily ended with no points to show for their efforts. Debutant Jake Fairbrother had a good game after it his early costly error. Steve Coates had a quiet game in midfield and third debutant Saul Deeney looked to be a confident keeper. Ian Robinson, Chris Bettney and Garry Middleton all had good games but WhiteBallProject Man of the Match must go to Chris Timons whose goal rescued a point for Ilkeston in what was a below par performance. Fortunately for the Robins Hinckley were not much better.
John McGinlay still seems to coming to terms with Ilkeston's erratic form and must be close to deciding who will be an asset next season and who will be the weakest links. The Robin are seven points off the fourth relegation and still need possibly two wins before McGinlay can relax and experiment in readiness for next season.
The McGinlay revoluton continued apace with Andy Mason McGinlay's assistant at Gresley Rovers being given a similar role at the New Manor Ground. Sean Connor has been appointed coach after filling a similar position at Winsford United. Connor was manager at Congleton Town at the start of this season but was sacked and replaced by Winsford United boss Kevin Langley. He has also been reserve team manager at Shepshed Dynamo and assisted Keith Alexander at Northwich Victoria. Saul Deeney has been signed from Notts County and had a loan spell at Gresley Rovers earlier this season. On the way out this week Charlie Bishop has left the club.
Charlie was a very popular figure at the club but ultimately John McGinlay will want his own backroom team in place as soon as possible.
Chris Royle who made his debut for Ilkeston Town against King's Lynn has after only one game left and returned to Winsford United.

Coates and Nwadike

Debutant Fairbrother

Robbo beaten this time


Chris Timons equalises for Ilkeston	Glenn Kirkwood comes close

JOHN McGINLAY UNVEILS MORE SIGNINGS

23rd March 2002

John McGinlay started his rebuilding job at the New Manor Ground with two new signings. He has returned to his former club to sign Jake Fairbrother and Steve Coates. Combined with earlier signing Chris Royle from Winsford United it signals John's intention of strengthening the Robins defence and midfield.

Chris Royle

Born in Manchester Chris has played for Northwich Victoria, Witton Albion, Congleton Town and most recently Winsford United. He was reported to be on the verge of signing for Gresley Rovers at the start of this season. Has played in midfield at many of his previous clubs.

Jake Fairbrother

Born in London Jake was a junior at Fulham before joining Sutton United and then Carshalton Athletic. He joined Gresley Rovers in October 2001. Jake has been dogged by niggling injuries this year. Jake can play in defence or midfield.

Steve Coates

Born in Leicester Steve started out at Leicester United although he had p[layed for England Schoolboys. He then signed for Stoke City befoer joining Rothwell Town. Steve signed for Gresley Rovers originally in August 1999 but joined Hinckley United at the start of this season. Returned in February of this year. Steve plays in midfield and was Manager's and Player's Player of the Year at Gresley last season.

Jake Fairbrother

Steve Coates

Pics courtesy of Gresley Rovers on Line www.gresleyrovers.com

CHIRPY ROBINS DOMINATE SAD LINNETS

26th March 2002

Ilkeston Town 3 King's Lynn 1 Att 465 Dr Martens League

Ilkeston line up:- Armstrong, Royle, Curtis, Middleton, Timons, Knapper, Robinson, Nwadike (Whitehead), Kirkwood, Kennerdale (Wright), Holmes Sub not used Helliwell.

John McGinlay entered his first home game in charge of Ilkeston Town with his first signing for the club. Chris Royle the ex Congleton Town defender was signed from Winsford United and replaced James Whitehead at right back.

Ilkeston started the game in a very positive mood cheered on by an expectant crowd some of which had only just returned from the weekend jaunt in the Isle of Wight. Nick Kennerdale had a good chance early on when clean through he rounded the keeper only to be forced too wide enabling the Lynn defence got back to coverThe Robins took just twelve minutes to take the lead when Glenn Kirkwood scored with an excellent header from a David Holmes cross. Ilkeston continued to put pressure on a a defence which looked very hesitant especially faced with the strong and powerful running of Nick Kennerdale. After 25 minutes Kennerdale got his reward when he ran fifty yards shrugged off several challenges round the keeper and slotted the ball home to put Ilkeston two up.

After the break King's Lynn came back into the game and had several chances to get back into the game but their finishing was woeful. Ex Robin Jamie Clark in particular missed a number of guilt edged chances. At this point the game became much more physical and the referee's tendency of letting the game flow back fired somewhat has the tackles became increasingly reckless and the players became more ill tempered.

Despite holding a two goal lead the Ilkeston defence still looked vulnerable and it was not until Ilkeston scored their third goal that the Robins fans could feel comfortable of securing all three points. On 73 minutes Ian Robinson played a one two with Glenn Kirkwood which split the Lynn defence open and Robinson finished with confidence to score a delightful goal.

King's Lynn however continued to plug away and Ex Robin Dave Robinson eventually got a goal back when he headed home from a corner.

This was a very important result which has gone along way towards easing Ilkeston's relegation worries. King's Lynn looked to be a team in trouble and their defence displayed the same kind of generosity as Ilkeston have in recent months. However the Robins forward line was much hungrier and therefore prevailed in what could have been an awkward game. There was a much better spirit about Ilkeston and although a bit too robust at times Ilkeston fought for every ball. There were some much improved performances and Ian Robinson and David Holmes looked to be getting back to top form. Nick Kennerdale looked dangerous up front but once again the WhiteBallProject Man of the Match goes to Glenn Kirkwood who scored one goal and made another and ran tirelessly for the full ninety minutes. When the fans come to choose their Player of the Year Glenn Kirkwood will surely be one of the players in the running.

On Saturday the Robins entertain Hinckley United whose manager Dean Thomas has just signed Phil Stant. Ilkeston fans will remember that it was Stant who scored for Worcester City in a match at the start of this season. There have been a lot of change sat the New Manor Ground since then and do not be surprised if new boss John McGinlay does not unveil further signings. Exciting times indeed!

ISLANDERS SPOIL SPOIL BIG JOHN'S DEBUT

23rd March 2002

Newport IOW 2 Ilkeston Town 1 Att 487 Dr Martens League

Ilkeston line up:- Armstrong, Whitehead, Challinor, Middleton, Timons, Knapper, Robinson (Bettney), Holmes (Curtis), Kirkwood, Kennerdale (Wright), Nwadike.

After a week of high excitement Ilkeston Town came down to earth with a bump as Newport IOW continued to maintain recent run of excellent form. According to Radio Derby this morning new managers often win their first game and then lose their second. They were talking about new Everton manager David Moyes and unfortunately for both Derby County, Ilkeston Town and John McGinlay they were wrong.

Ilkeston started with the same line up that played so well against Kettering town last Tuesday and with a boisterous following they went in search of another away victory. Newport had not read the script and David Laws on loan from cash strapped Weymouth provided a cross for Leigh to head the Islanders into the lead on eleven minutes. Despite looking fragile in defence Ilkeston held out until the 62nd minute when Laws scored from close range. The Robins finally rallied towards the end of the game and when John Knapper was tripped in the box he took the penalty himself and uncharacteristically blasted rather than placed the spot kick. The outcome was the same and for a brief spell Ilkeston looked like they may get something from the game. It was not to be and once more Ilkeston will be nervously looking at the teams below them as the relegation drama unfolds.

This was a bad result for the Robins as the teams around Ilkeston nearly all won. Newport with the ever dangerous David Laws were able to exploit Ilkeston's defensive frailties. Manager John McGinlay will have a very good now of where the problems lie but only has a week to bring in reinforcements.

In a generally below par performance Chris Bettney played well when he replaced the out of sorts Nick Kennerdale but WhiteBallProjects Man of the Match goes to Glenn Kirkwood who once again never gave up and ran and chased for the full ninety minutes.

Ilkeston Town's next home game is against King's Lynn on Monday 25th March and the programme from the original fixture will be issued with an insert at a reduced price.

For Newport IOW reaction todays game click on Up The Port or Talk Port

Penalty King

Tireless Effort

Bettney replaced Kennerdale

JOHN McGINLAY - A POPULAR CHOICE!!

21st March 2002

One of the worst kept secrets in non league football was finally confirmed as fact when Ilkeston Town Football Club confirmed that the ex Gresley Rovers manager John McGinlay would be the new Robins manager. John was chosen from a very strong field of candidates and Ilkeston fans already can sense that there is a buzz around the ground that has been missing since Keith Alexander left two years ago.

McGINLAY FACTFILE

John McGinlay

4-4-64 Born Inverness

Played for Nairn County

1986-87 Yeovil Town

1987-88 Yeovil Town 28 games 11 goals

Played for Elgin City

22-2-89 Joined Shrewsbury Town from Elgin City 65 games 4 goals

11-7-90 Joined Bury £175,000 29games 9 goals

21-1-91 Joined Millwall £80,000 40 games 11 goals

30-9-92 Joined Bolton Wanderers £125,000 244 games 116 goals

1994 First Scottish International Cap v Austria

1997 Thirteenth and last Scottish Cap v Austria as a sub. Scored 4 goals for Scotland

1997 Division One Winners medal

6-11-97 Joined Bradford City £625,000 18 games 3goals

1998 Achiles tendon injury

23-10-98 Joined Oldham Athletic Free 10 games 3 goals

1998 Knee injury

Played for Columbus Crew?

Coaching in Boston USA

Manager Gresley Rovers

21-3-02 Manager of Ilkeston Town Football Club

Bolton Hero

Player Manager at Gresley

Scoring For Scotland

GRESLEY ROVERS REACTION

From the excellent Gresley Rovers website www.gresleyrovers.com

21st March 2002

John McGinlay leaves for Ilkeston

It is with great sadness that we can confirm that John McGinlay has left Gresley Rovers Football Club to take up a post he was offered last night by Ilkeston Town Football Club.
It follows the sacking of Ilkeston Town's manager, Chris Marples, last week after eight months in charge of the Robins.
Ilkeston are currently 12th in the Dr Martens Premier Division, seven points above the relegation zone.
McGinlay will take charge for Ilkeston's away game at Newport on Saturday.
Said McGinlay: "It was a very hard decision, to be honest. I'd built up a good set of lads at Gresley and had a fantastic relationship with the chairman.
"But I'm ambitious as a person and I'm sometimes impatient to achieve that ambition. I felt getting the opportunity to manage Ilkeston was too big a job to turn down.
"I was trying to achieve Premiership football in the Doctor Marten's league with Gresley and now I'm looking to achieve Conference football for Ilkeston."